visits to the middle of nowhere

proudly filipina

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Because it was just my birthday yesterday, I am giving myself license to be completely shallow today. And what better way to indulge in my utter shallowness than to make a list of the material things on my wish-list?

Of course I know that the likelihood of my getting any of the items on my list from someone else is nil to negative. Everything here can be purchased on-line - so if on the very, very off-chance someone feels the urge to get me an extremely generous gift, you can contact me for my snail mail address through this form. Just kidding!

On the other hand, it's always free to dream. Without further ado, in no particular order... here my is Top 5!

1. A 3M Littmann Cardiology III stethoscope - Since, if my Perth trip pushes through, I will be handling both pediatric and adult patients - this steth is perfect for me because it has a listening piece for both kids and adults.

2. My own digital SLR - I've been suffering from serious camera envy these days. Travel to gorgeous destinations + DSLR = potentially gorgeous pictures. While my point and shoot does quite nicely, I want to learn how to do this on a higher level!

3. A new PDA (Palm TX) - With the advent of smart phones, PDA units are becoming passe, but I've never liked placing all of my eggs in one basket. My phone is a phone, but my PDA... it's a must-have! I've had one on and off since I started residency, and it stores dozens of textbooks and formulas that I can carry in my pocket. Unfortunately my last one got stolen in the PGH emergency room, 4 days after I bought it. They're notoriously difficult to find locally these days - so if any of you know where I can get one, please contact me so I can look into it!

4. 80GB iPod classic - I love my click wheel 2nd (or is it 3rd) generation 20GB iPod, which has been my best friend for 3 years and is still serving me well despite being chewed on by our pug. But if I had the chance I would love to upgrade - more space, more music, more love!

On a more serious note, I can say with conviction that it was a great year for me. Career milestones achieved, new friends made, old friends rediscovered, good health for me and my loved ones, beautiful places visited, the potential for something new - one blessing after another. God has been exceedingly generous, and I thank Him for a life rich with what is priceless.

Truthfully, I don't think I can ask for more.

Many, many thanks to everyone who sent messages, good wishes, and hugs to me via the gamut of electronic media we have today! May all the good wishes and prayers come back to you a hundred-fold.

Ooh, all lust-worthy. My steth throughout med was something that came free with my grandmother's sphygmo. I still have no idea how much a Littmann costs. My camera is always a hand-me-down from my brother (how nice that his latest one crashed onto the pavement so we could get it fixed and I could own it :P). Maybe I should look into a palm too, before my brain short-circuits :) There should be shops at V-Mall still, or maybe the shop next to the MegaMall bowling alley, if it's not yet closed (in any case they still have the electronics shops at the 4th Level).

I have a Littmann Cardio steth given by my dad when I was still in med school and it's still a perfectly fine piece of equipment after all these years. Cardio III is expensive, yes (lowest price is at $132), but it'll definitely give you years and years of good service. Here's hoping you get all your wishes on your birthday!

@mrs hobbes: belated happy birthday! :) isn't cook the absolute best? i happened along a copy of some songs from his "analog heart" album. i'm not a big alternative fan, but i actually liked a good number of the tracks. i hope his album hits it big!